Business and economic news for the Santa Barbara region

Two New Murals Add Impact to Funk Zone

South Coast artist Nelson Parrish said Impact Hub co-founder and general manager Dan Ferrick and director of corporate partnerships Donna Compaglia, were inspired by the look and feel of his work around town and commissioned him to create two murals at the new Funk Zone location, 10 E. Yanonali St .

“The aesthetics of the rugged natural beauty of Santa Barbara’s mountains and ocean as well as the chic feel of its urban center are apparent in the work,” Parrish said. “We wanted something that connected the space to our unique and beautiful surroundings.”

“All of my work, particularly when it comes to commissions, are collaborations between me and the collector,” Nelson said. “It is more about me being a storyteller.”

Parrish has a studio on Haley street. He has been painting in Santa Barbara for 10 years. “I’m very lucky to be a working artist in Santa Barbara, this is the best job I’ve ever had,” he said.

Parrish was asked to create art inspired by “living in Santa Barbara, the air, mountains and beach aesthetic.” He noticed the Funk Zone Impact Hub floor plan is reminiscent of a clock, which seems fitting considering many entrepreneurs work there at all hours.

Parrish said the murals are about “your hustle; you’re constantly hustling, but if you do what you love, you never have to work.”

The murals Parrish completed in the new space helps bring Impact Hub and the Funk Zone scene together “in a way we couldn’t have imagined previously.” Parrish said, “I’m very lucky to be a working artist in Santa Barbara, this is the best job I’ve ever had.”